Choosing Wisely:

There is strong evidence for the treatment of hypertension in older adults. Achieving a goal systolic blood pressure of 150 mm Hg reduces stroke incidence, all-cause mortality, and heart failure. Target systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels should be set cautiously, however, as data do not suggest benefit in treating more aggressively to a goal systolic blood pressure of < 140 mm Hg in the general population ≥ 60 years of age. Furthermore, moderate- or high-intensity treatment of hypertension has been associated with an increased risk of serious fall injury in older adults.